Riding For Reading, a non-profit organization 501(c)(3) dedicated to promoting reading, literacy and education through equestrian sports and activities, is pleased to announce that its Riding For Reading Class will be held at three different shows during the summer.

The Riding For Reading Class at the Golden Gate Classic, July 4, in Woodside, CA, will kick off the summer. “I believe that reading is the most important aspect of a child’s education," stated Show Manager Chris Collman. “After all, it is the first word of an old saying, ‘Reading, Writing and Arithmetic!’ Any opportunity to further reading and literacy is a worthy cause, and we are thrilled to be able to host a Riding For Reading Class at the Golden Gate Classic.”

The Country Classic, July 11, in Wilsonville, OR, is hosting the class for the second year in a row. “Horses and People and the Country Classic support charities, and Riding For Reading is a significant program we are pleased to be a part of,” said Show Chairman Shelly Camp. D.A. Davidson & Co. are once again sponsoring the class.

Shows provide some of the money for the Riding For Reading Class, and Riding For Reading provides a matching grant. The class is Riding For Reading’s flagship activity. This unique class allows riders from first through twelfth grades to represent their schools and to win grant money for their school’s library. Schools get much needed library funds, and the kids get great prizes and the opportunity to do something for their school. More than 450,000 school age students have benefitted from Riding For Reading library grants.

On September 1, the Riding For Reading Benefit Horse Show takes place at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Langer Equestrian Group manages the show and donates all of the proceeds to Riding For Reading. “In the world today of instant communication, especially visual, literacy and books are in danger of becoming extinct. The least I can do is hold one of my horse shows as a benefit to a program designed to help keep the written word alive," stated LEG President and CEO Larry Langer.

The proceeds from this show are used to fund Riding For Reading’s literacy based programs, including the Riding For Reading Class. Other national sponsors include the United States Hunter Jumper Association and Hodges Badge Company. Many of the host shows also obtain local sponsors that either provide funding for the class or items for the riders’ gift bags.

The Riding For Reading Benefit Show also hosts a Riding For Reading Class, and more than 50 riders participate each year. With less than $1 per student spent on library materials across the country, financial support for school libraries and literacy is critical.

Riding For Reading continues to grow and expand its classes around the country, and to different breeds and disciplines. For more information, please visit the Riding For Reading website at www.ridingforreading.org.